Tipperary team named to play Waterford as National Football League resumes

By Shane Brophy

Tipperary will return to the scene of one of their biggest disappointments of recent times when they resume their National Football League campaign this Saturday evening.

Philly Ryan’s charges will make the short trip across the Comeragh’s to Dungarvan where last year they suffered their first Munster Championship defeat at the hands of the Deise in forty years.

“The lads, a few of them will have played, and I know what stung them last year to lose the Waterford, and that's no disrespect to Waterford or any other team,” said the Tipperary manager looking ahead to the Munster derby.

“The lads will be looking to push on the league, not just against Waterford.”

Waterford built on that shock win over Tipperary, beating Longford in the Tailteann Cup, as they made themselves more competitive under first year manager Paul Shankey who is looking to develop the side further this year.

Waterford have suffered two defeats in their first two games of this National League, a heavy home loss to Carlow and then a four-point defeat to Wicklow in their rearranged round 1 game last Saturday in Aughrim, scoring 1-19 which will have gotten the attention of the Tipperary management.

However, they have conceded 2-15 and 3-17 in each of their two games so far but a lot of that can be attributed to the rule enhancements being trialled which have seen a marked increase in scoring in the first two rounds in all four divisions, with the majority of the players, coaches and supporters welcoming the impact already.

With an unbeaten start, a draw in Carlow and a last gasp win over Longford, Tipperary will be keen to continue the positive momentum and the sting of last years championship loss should ensure there is no taking Waterford for granted.

The weekend break will have been welcome to give players a chance to freshen up but the management will have been encouraged by the performances of Luke Boland at centre back, Cathal Deely and Mark Russell at midfield.

However, they will feel there is major improvement to come in the forwards where Sean O’Connor hasn’t fired yet with the extra space, largely restricted to placed balls, but newcomers Micheal Freaney and Conor Fahey have shown potential.

Another to impress so far has been Jack O’Neill, slight in frame but quick and his ability to break through defences could be a huge asset when the team gels fully.

Tipperary Senior Football Manager Philly Ryan has named his team and subs for this Saturday evenings Allianz Football League Round 3 clash with Waterford in Dungarvan.

Having secures 3 points from a possible 4 in the opening two rounds, our senior footballers will be hoping for another 2 points against near neighbours and rivals Waterford.

The Tipperary Senior Football team and subs is as follows:

1. Shane Ryan (Clonmel Commercials)

2. Manus McFadden (Grangemockler/Ballyneale)

3. Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule)

4. Jack Harney (Moyle Rovers)

5. Tadgh Condon (Clonmel Commercials)

6. Luke Boland (Moyle Rovers)

7. Mark Stokes (Kilsheelan/Kilcash)

8. Cathal Deeley (Clonmel Commercials)

9. Mark Russell (Aherlow)

10. Michael Freaney (Kilsheelan/Kilcash)

11. Steven O'Brien (Ballina)

12. Ben Comerford (Grangemockler/Ballyneale)

13. Conor Fahey (Upperchurch/Drombane)

14. Sean O'Connor (Clonmel Commercials)

15. Mikey O'Shea (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone)

16. Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers)

17. Michael Barlow (Ardfinnan)

18. Darragh Brennan (Ballyporeen)

19. Kieran Costello (Thurles Sarsfields)

20. Liam Fahey (Rockwell Rovers)

21. Paudie Feehan (Killenaule)

22. Emmet Moloney (Portlaoise)

23. Jack Nevin (JK Brackens)

24. Billy O'Connor (Kilsheelan/Kilcash)

25. Jack O'Neill (Ardfinnan)

26. Cian Smith (Clonmel Commercials)